Vincristine (Oncovin) – Side Effects, Interactions, Uses, Dosage, Warnings

Vincristine is used to treat leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, rhabdomyosarcoma (soft tissue tumors), neuroblastoma (cancer that forms in nerve tissue), and Wilms' tumor.

Vincristine is sometimes used in combination with other cancer drugs.

Vincristine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

uses

What is Vincristine (Oncovin) used for?

  • Malignant Disease
  • Solid Tumors

warnings

What is the most important information I should know about Vincristine (Oncovin)?

You should not use vincristine if you are allergic to it, or if you have a nerve-muscle disorder such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth syndrome. Tell your doctor if you are also receiving radiation treatments.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • gout;
  • kidney stones;
  • breathing problems;
  • liver disease;
  • a blockage in your intestines; or
  • coronary artery disease, high blood pressure.

Vincristine may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant. This medicine may cause missed menstrual periods.

This medicine may affect fertility (your ability to have children), whether you are a man or a woman.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

User Reviews & Rating

Overall rating for Vincristine (Oncovin)

4.5
out of  5

(2 Vincristine (Oncovin) Reviews)

Side Effects

2.5

Easy to Use

4.0

Effectiveness

4.5

Read Vincristine (Oncovin) Reviews

Side Effects

What are the side effects of Vincristine (Oncovin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • severe constipation, severe bloating or stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools;
  • swelling, rapid weight gain;
  • urination problems;
  • wheezing, trouble breathing;
  • chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder;
  • problems with vision, hearing, speech, balance, or daily activities;
  • a seizure;
  • mouth pain or ulcers;
  • numbness, tingling, burning pain; or
  • low blood cell counts–fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath.

Common side effects may include:

  • hair loss;
  • decreased weight with loss of muscle tissue;
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss; or
  • rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Can I take Vincristine (Oncovin) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

D
Positive evidence of risk
Based on FDA pregnancy categories

Vincristine may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant. This medicine may cause missed menstrual periods.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

Interactions

What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Vincristine (Oncovin)?

Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Dosage Guidelines & Tips

How to take Vincristine (Oncovin)?

Use Vincristine (Oncovin) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Vincristine is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 7 days. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when vincristine is injected.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results.

Vincristine may cause constipation. Ask your doctor how to avoid severe constipation.

What should I do if I missed a dose of Vincristine (Oncovin)?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your vincristine injection.

Overdose Signs

What happens if I overdose on Vincristine (Oncovin)?

Since vincristine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur. However, overdose symptoms may include severe forms of some of the side effects listed in this medication guide.

If you think you or someone else may have overdosed on: Vincristine (Oncovin),  call your doctor or the Poison Control center

(800) 222-1222

If someone collapses or isn't breathing after taking Vincristine (Oncovin), call 911

911

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